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Coconut Oil as Metabolism Booster?

Question:"What's your take on the ability of coconut oil to help boost metabolism and fight diseases?"—Leslie Scofield, via e-mail

Answer: The "eat this to rev metabolism" talk has never played out in the science world. Sorry to burst your bubble, but exercise and increased muscle mass are the best ways to significantly jump-start your body's calorie-burning gauge. No single food will fight diseases. Your best bet is to rely on a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and quality sources of protein for prevention of many chronic conditions. A little coconut oil every now and then probably isn't that harmful, but canola oil, with its pleasantly neutral flavor, works better in a variety of recipes and applications.